Repair/ support garage rafters

So I just bought this house and of corse the inspector missed this upon many other things. The garage is 17' wide by 20' deep. For the most part everything seems to be constructed well, but the previous owner damaged the rafter/ joist? Not real familiar with the terminology but as you can see they tried to fix one of the splitting beams by bolting a 2x4 on both sides of it. There are 3 beams that are cracked/splitting that need to be repaired. I would really like to put some light storage on these beams when finished; Christmas decorations, old boxes, but nothing real heavy. I was wondering what a good solution to this problem would be and what else I would have to do to make it usable. I have read some similar stories and sintering the cracked areas with plywood or 2x6 pieces has been a common solution. Also maybe running a header type beam across the middle of the beams to help support the load was an idea. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am trying to rectify this problem as soon as I can. Thanks

Repair/ support garage rafters

Welcome to the Forum!

it appears from what I can see in your photo the 2x are acting as rafter ties to prevent rafter thrust from pushing out the tops of the load bearing walls. the simple fix would be install another 2x along side that one.

Repair/ support garage rafters

Repair/ support garage rafters

Those were never designed for any form of storage or down loading.
I'd guess someone tryed using one to lift something, like the the front of a lawn mower or and engine, anyone guess what they did.
For storage you would need to use something like 2 X 10's at least every 24" or build a center wall or beam to support it.
I'd also bet there's no foam baffles under that insulation which will super heat the roof.
There should have been baffles, soffit vent and a ridge vent.

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Repair/ support garage rafters

I don't think that's a big deal. As mentioned above, they're to keep the outside walls from pushing out. As long as the cracked beam is securely tied across the crack, it shoud last. A repair / nail plate would have been a better choice than some boards.

If you want storage, maybe this will help... these beams were similar. Upgrade to 2x6's (or bigger) and put them every 2' to match the spacing of your rafters. Hurricane tie the rafters to the joists to the top plates. You probly just have toenailed rafters there. You might need just over 20' lengths to sit on the top plate on both ends which will be hard to find. We had to order from a lumber yard.

Of course put in as many new ones as you can first. When you're sure your walls are safely tied together, then replace the old ones.